Method of collecting a sample of endometrium cells

Abstract

A method of collecting a sample of endometrium cells from the uterus of a subject. A collector is used which has an outer tube member formed with an inward portion at least an inward end part of which is flexible, and a substantially coaxial outward portion axially abutted thereto. A rod member is passed at least partly through the central hole of the tube member, and is formed with an inward portion at least an inward end part of which is flexible, and a substantially coaxial outward portion axially abutted thereto. A means for collecting endometrium cells is provided on the inward portion of the rod member near its free end, and a means is provided for biasing the rod member with respect to the tube member in the outward direction. A stop means is provided for preventing the rod member from moving with respect to the tube member in the outward direction past a first certain point at which the endometrium cell collecting means is completely housed within the inward portion of the tube member, and another stop means is provided for preventing the rod member from moving with respect to the tube member in the inward direction past a second certain point at which the endometrium cell collecting means projects from the free end of the inward portion of the tube member. A means may be provided, optionally, for limiting the movement of the tube member in the inward direction into the uterine os of the subject. The collector is inserted into the cervix and a force is applied to the collector to reciprocate the rod member in the tube member in the inward and outward directions. The force being affected by the biasing means and projecting the endometrium cell collecting means from the tube member. Withdrawing the endometrium cell collecting means into the tube member and then withdrawing the collector from the cervix.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of collecting a sample of endometrium cells from the uterus of a subject, comprising: providing a collector, said collector comprising: (a) a tube member, formed with a central axially extending aperture, and comprising an inward portion, with an inward free end, at least an inward end part of which including said inward free end thereof is flexible, and a substantially coaxial outward portion axially abutted thereto with a free end;   (b) a rod member, which is passed at least partly through said central axially extending aperture of said tube member, comprising and inward portion, with an inward free end, which is flexible, and a substantially coaxial outward portion axially abutted thereto with a free end;   (c) a means for collecting endometrium cells, provided on said inward portion of said rod member near its said free end;   (d) a means for biasing said rod member with respect to said tube member in the outward direction;   (e) a means for preventing said rod member from moving with respect to said tube member in the outward direction past a first certain point at which said endometrium cell collecting means is completely housed within said inward portion of said tube member; and   (f) a means for preventing said rod member from moving with respect to said tube member in the inward direction past a second certain point at which said endometrium cell collecting means projects from said free end of said inward portion of said tube member;     inserting said collector into the cervix of the subject whereby the inward portion of said tube member is inserted into the uterine cervix of the subject until said inward free end is slightly past the internal uterine os;   applying a force to the collector to reciprocate said rod member in said tube member in the inward and outward directions, said force alternately respectively overcoming and being overcome by the biasing action of said biasing means between said first and second certain points to alternately project said endometrium cell collecting means from said inward free end of said tube member whereby because of the flexibility of the rod member, said means for collecting endometrium cells can be readily placed in contact with the walls of the uterus to scrape endometrium cells of the wall of the uterine cavity of the subject;   withdrawing said endometrium cell collecting means into said inward portion of said tube member so that the rod member is positioned at said first certain point with respect to the tube member and the endometrium cell collecting means is completely housed within said inward portion of said tube member; and   withdrawing the collector from the cervix of the subject.